By Isaac Mission
A 19-year-old student from Anambra State, Franklin Uyammadu, has emerged winner of the Face of Eastwing Competition organised by the Eastwing Aviation Institute, Enugu.
Uyammadu was announced as the winner during the grand finale of the competition, held on Monday in Enugu through the Eastwing Youth Foundation.
His victory comes with a four-month Students’ Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) training opportunity with a reputable aviation company.
### From Competition Winner to Aviation Trainee
The teenager had previously won the 2025 edition of the competition after overcoming 50 other youths at the inaugural South-East Aviation Summit and Eastwing Youth Competition (SASEYC).
His performance earned him a full scholarship from the Eastwing Aviation Institute to study Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME), setting him on a path towards a career in the aviation industry.
Speaking on Uyammadu’s achievement, Christian Agadibe, Executive Director of the Eastwing Youth Foundation and Convener of SASEYC, said the teenager’s progress reflected the practical impact of the organisation’s scholarship programme.
Agadibe explained that the institute had sponsored Uyammadu’s training under the AME programme, while efforts were ongoing to secure financial support for other finalists.
He noted that the initiative was established to improve access to aviation education for young people who might otherwise be unable to afford the cost of training.
According to him, Uyammadu’s development demonstrates that the youth-focused programme is making progress towards its objective.
### 2026 Competition Produces New Finalists
The foundation’s executive director disclosed that the ongoing 2026 edition of the competition had produced another set of young participants who would require support beyond the contest.
He added that the top 10 finalists were currently undergoing further training ahead of the South-East Aviation Summit scheduled to hold on October 3 in Enugu.
Agadibe expressed optimism that the summit would produce another deserving winner who would benefit from the opportunities provided by the aviation initiative.
The Eastwing Aviation Institute’s competition continues to highlight the potential of young people in the South-East while creating pathways for aviation training and professional development.